SALT LAKE CITY — A Latter-day Saint missionary from Bountiful died Saturday after his bike was hit by a vehicle in a hit-and-run collision in LaFayette, Georgia.
Elder McKay Jamin Bergeson, 19, was serving in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since December, church spokesman Daniel Woodruff said.
Bergeson’s mission companion was not injured when a four-door sedan struck Bergeson’s Trek Mountain bicycle from behind between 9 and 9:30 p.m., causing Bergeson to strike the paved road, police told ABC 9 in Georgia.
Georgia State Patrol said the vehicle involved did not stop at the scene and has not been located.
“We express our sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones as they mourn his passing and remember his life,” Woodruff said. “We pray they will feel the love of our Heavenly Father at this difficult time.”
Bergeson graduated from Bountiful High School and was a member of the church’s Bountiful 4th Ward before his mission, Bountiful South Stake President Troy Anderson said.
“McKay was a wonderful, vivacious, energetic young man who had a bright personality, a loud and engaging laugh and loved life,” Anderson said.
Bergeson was the oldest of six children and loved going fishing with his father.
“He loved serving as a missionary and loved the people of Tennessee and Georgia,” Anderson added. “The family appreciates the love and support and prayers they already are feeling at such a difficult time.”